benefits

In the United States, health care and cost of services can vary between both doctors and facilities. The most extreme example of this that I have personally witnessed is the cost for both Entyvio and the nurse to infuse it. I have received Entyvio infusions from four different locations – two hospital outpatient infusion clinics, a doctor’s office, and at home. The total costs have ranged from $2,500.00, on the low end, to $22,000.00 – for the same drug, with the same premeds, being infused over the same period of time. The price difference between the two hospitals was even shocking – a delta of $18,500.00. Thankfully, many biologics and other drugs offer co-pay assistance plans, which have helped a great deal.

The good news is that you can compare prices for procedures or medications at different facilities to keep from being surprised. In my role as the benefit administrator for the company I work for, I learned of Healthcare Bluebook during this year’s open enrollment period. A rep from one of the carriers I work with brought it to my attention. It allows you to search in your area by either typing in a specific service or by selecting a category such as hospital, physician, imaging, labs, medications, etc.

Once you search or select a service, the site will give you the low, fair, and high price for the area – 90210, in my example. Depending on what your searching for, Healthcare Bluebook also offers prices for facilities in the area.

This post is not endorsed by Healthcare Bluebook in any way, I just wanted to share this helpful resource with my fellow spoonies and warriors! I hope this helps you navigate the health care system while saving some money in the process! 😊